Shin Min-a, Joo Ji-hoon to debut as 'Remarried Empress': "We faced the cringe head-on… We found the courage" [Comprehensive Report] [31st BIFF]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

'Remarried Empress' unveiled itself at the 31st Busan International Film Festival.

A GV (Guest Visit) for the Disney+ series 'Remarried Empress' was held on the 9th at Lotte Cinema in Haeundae-gu, Busan. Director Jo Su-won and actors Shin Min-a, Joo Ji-hoon, Lee Jong-suk, and Lee Se-young attended the event.

'Remarried Empress' is a romantic fantasy epic drama about Navie (played by Shin Min-a), the perfect empress of the Dongdae Empire, who is notified of a divorce by Emperor Soviesh (played by Joo Ji-hoon), who has fallen for the runaway slave Rasta (played by Lee Se-young). Instead of accepting it, she demands approval for a remarriage with Prince Heinrey of the Seowang Kingdom (played by Lee Jong-suk).

On this day, Director Jo Su-won shared his thoughts on presenting the work, saying, "There may be awkward or cringeworthy moments, but I think it would be good if we can overcome them little by little." He added, "As you will see when you watch it, I was actually a bit afraid of the original fans. How to persuade them was my biggest concern."

He continued, "Nevertheless, I am grateful that those who watched Parts 1 through 3 said they enjoyed it."

He also explained the reason for implementing Western-style costumes and backgrounds in 'Remarried Empress.' Director Jo began by saying, "Some viewers might wonder, 'Why are the costumes and background Western-style?'"

He revealed, "When I was first offered the project, the original fandom was very solid, and many people loved the source material, so I wanted to keep the names Navie, Soviesh, Heinrey, and Rasta as they were. That was the biggest reason."

He explained further, "There were no major issues in implementing various spaces or fantasy elements, but I had a desire to properly express a space and worldview where the name 'Navie' could be called naturally."

Director Jo emphasized that this choice required no small amount of courage. He said, "Looking at the comments, there are reactions comparing it to other works, and I anticipated and worried about those aspects as well." He added, "The actors also showed courage to overcome such points."

He continued, "I hope these small acts of courage will carry through to the end of the work and lead to a good conclusion." He added, "Personally, I think this worldview and concept suit Disney+ very well."

Shin Min-a said, "The original work itself is vast with many characters, so we had to create a beginning, development, turn, and conclusion within 10 episodes and condense the characters." She added, "Since we are following major events such as betrayal, divorce, and remarriage within that framework, my first thought was that the character Navie needed to gain empathy from many viewers."

She continued, "The director and production team also thought in the same direction." She added, "I think a more human side of Navie was shown. I hope the emotional line of a woman who makes subjective choices while going through great emotions is well conveyed."

Joo Ji-hoon candidly said that 'Remarried Empress' remains a difficult work in terms of its worldview. He said, "I still find it hard to say that I understand everything completely. I think I will be able to know more after watching the completed drama."

He continued, "When I first received the script, I struggled with the thought of 'what am I supposed to do with this,' but I got hints when all the actors gathered and acted together during the first reading." He explained, "I realized that if I think of it like a play or musical rather than approaching it too realistically, my mind could naturally assimilate into that worldview."

Regarding the work, he said, "It has a new flavor of romantic fantasy, yet familiar 'tastes' that we are used to liking are gradually included within it." He added, "I am confident it is a work that can be enjoyed interestingly. It is literally an entertaining work, so I hope you enjoy it comfortably."

'Remarried Empress' completed its characters three-dimensionally by adding details such as costumes and makeup to the actors' delicate expressiveness. In particular, a new 'Queen' implemented through VFX appears, heightening curiosity about the relationships and narrative they will create.

Lee Jong-suk said regarding why he chose the work, "I thought it would be a great fan service for the fans." He added, "I also wondered if I would have another chance to play a prince role in the future."

He continued, "It is a fantasy genre, so there might be an unfamiliar feeling," but revealed, "I filmed my first scene with Rasta. Seeing that the opposite actor was already deeply immersed in the character made me think, 'I can be less embarrassed.'"

He added, "After that, I did not feel much difficulty, and we were able to create the work through the actors' joint efforts."

He also mentioned the new 'Queen' who appears with Heinrey in the drama. Lee Jong-suk said, "During filming, I could not tell how the Queen would actually look, so I had no idea how much it would be realized." He laughed and added, "Seeing the completed form, it seems cute."

He continued, "I was looking forward to the CG team's work a lot."

Regarding how he handled lines in the fantasy worldview, he said, "I considered what method would allow me to deliver the lines as plainly as possible." He explained, "Watching how the opposite actor performed with a certain tone, I gradually gained confidence in my acting."

Lee Se-young revealed that she focused on showing a different charm from her existing image while playing Rasta.

She said, "The senior actresses and actors played characters with so much dignity, so I thought, 'Let's try going for it with momentum.'" She added, "Rasta is a character who is just adapting to a new environment, so I thought she could move a bit more freely."

Regarding the luxurious costumes, she laughed and said, "Walking around in dresses looks beautiful, but actually handling that process was not just a beautiful thing."

Lee Se-young explained why she was drawn to the role of Rasta, saying, "I have played many kind, upright, and good roles in the past." She added, "In comparison, Rasta is a character who does not think deeply and just blurt out words or actions. I was curious how such a character could be loved by viewers while simultaneously being hated, and I felt charm at that point."

She continued, "During filming, every moment seemed like a critical point. While thinking 'I must not think too deeply,' there were many moments when I felt embarrassed and ashamed as soon as I started acting." She added, "Nevertheless, I could try words and actions I usually would not do through the character, so there was also a sense of proxy satisfaction and pleasure."

Finally, Director Jo Su-won cheerfully shared his thoughts on finishing filming with the four actors.

Director Jo said, "I started filming thinking, 'Will all four actors be able to come to the wrap party?'" He added, "Fortunately, all four of them came," which drew laughter.

He continued, "Navie had a lot of screen time, and Ji-hoon hyung had to create impact within a relatively short time." He added, "Heinrey and Rasta stayed on set from morning to evening even after their own filming was finished, watching other actors' performances, studying, and exchanging many opinions."

He continued, "It was really good that we finished well without fighting each other until the end." He added, "Now it seems all I can do is pray that the work is well conveyed to many people."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original